Why I Gave Experience Works a Shot (and Almost Didn’t)

Alright, here’s the straight-up truth: I don’t usually jump at programs with names like “Experience Works.” It just screams corporate lingo—like something you’d hear in a meeting where everyone nods but nobody really knows what’s being said.

But last year threw me a curveball. Work dried up, the economy was doing this awkward two-step—moving forward one minute, stumbling the next—and I started to feel like I was falling behind. My resume was solid, my skills were there, but somehow, it felt like the world was moving on without me. I wasn’t ready to call it quits, but I also had no clue where to even begin again.

Then my cousin hit me with a suggestion: “Hey, check out Experience Works. It’s legit. They help older adults get back into the job game.” Suddenly, I went from rolling my eyes to thinking, Okay… maybe this is worth a shot.

Is Experience Works a Real Thing or Just Fluff?

Ever stumble across a website and think, “Yeah, this has scam written all over it”? That was me the first time I landed on the Experience Works homepage. It had all the standard feel-good stuff—mission statements, stock photos of smiling people, and plenty of “we care about you” messaging. My gut reaction? Probably just another bureaucratic maze with endless forms and a six-month wait to hear back.

Turns out, I was wrong.

I decided to give it a shot and filled out their form, fully expecting it to vanish into the digital void. But then—shockingly—a real person actually called me. Her name was Lisa. She didn’t sound like one of those monotone call center reps reading from a script. She talked like a neighbor you’ve known for years, the kind who’ll lend you a wrench and stay to help fix your mower just because.

Lisa broke it all down for me. Experience Works partners with local businesses to create part-time, on-the-job training for folks 55 and up. The pay starts at minimum wage—nothing flashy—but the whole idea is to help people ease back into the workforce without getting thrown into the deep end. It’s like stretching before a race: a warm-up lap before you go full speed again.

The Day I Walked Into My Placement (and Nearly Walked Back Out)

They placed me at a local nonprofit. Day one, I walked in wearing slacks and a pressed shirt, trying to remember how to make a good impression after being semi-retired for a year. The director greeted me with, “Oh thank goodness, we really needed someone with your experience.” My brain short-circuited a little—like, wait, I’m actually needed?

Here’s the weird part: I started off doing basic admin stuff—answering phones, organizing files—but I quickly became the go-to guy for solving problems. Old printer acting up? I had it humming again. Confused client who didn’t understand the new sign-up process? I sat with her and walked her through it, no rush.

I forgot how good it felt to be useful.

And that’s something Experience Works doesn’t plaster all over its homepage—but maybe they should. This isn’t just about finding a job. It’s about remembering that your work still matters.

Pros, Cons, and a Few Unexpected Twists

Let’s break this down, brass tacks style:

What I Loved

• Hands-on support. Lisa checked in every couple of weeks like clockwork. No ghosting.

• Confidence boost. Sounds cheesy, but it’s true. I didn’t realize how much I missed structure, routine, purpose.

• Community. Met other folks in the program at quarterly meetups. One guy used to be a school principal; another woman ran her own bakery. So many stories. So much grit.

What I Didn’t Love

• The pay. Yeah, let’s address the elephant. You’re not going to get rich doing this. It’s a training program, not a long-term career. Minimum wage, part-time. But for me, it wasn’t about the money—it was about getting my feet back under me.

• Limited placements. Depending on your area, options might be slim. I got lucky with a nonprofit that fit me like a glove. Not everyone gets that.

• Bureaucratic vibes. At times, the paperwork felt like it was written in ancient legal scroll. But I’ve dealt with worse at the DMV.

How It Changed Me (More Than I Expected)

Six months in, I found myself doing more than just office work. I was mentoring the younger staff. Sharing insights. Even helped write a new volunteer onboarding process. And the kicker? That nonprofit offered me a permanent part-time position. Said they “couldn’t afford to lose me.”

Wanna know the last time someone said that to me? Yeah… me neither.

It wasn’t just a job offer. It was a reminder that experience really does work—if you put it to work.

Would I Recommend It? Heck Yeah—With a Few Caveats

If you’re over 55 and feeling unsure about what’s next—maybe retirement doesn’t feel right, maybe you’re bored, maybe you need the income—Experience Works is absolutely worth a shot.

But go in with the right mindset:

• Don’t expect a dream job out the gate.

• Be ready to learn and teach.

• Say yes to stuff that feels unfamiliar. That’s where the magic is.

It’s not a program that hands you success. It gives you the tools—and a sturdy pair of boots—to go dig it up yourself.

Final Thoughts: This Ain’t the End, Just a Pit Stop

I went into Experience Works thinking I was winding down. Turns out, I was ramping back up. This thing didn’t just get me back to work—it reminded me who I am when I’m working. Someone with skills. With stories. With something left to give.

And yeah, I still surf on the weekends. Still drink my coffee black. Still yell at the TV during football season. But now I go into Monday with a little more bounce in my step.

So if you’re on the fence about Experience Works? Just try it. Worst case, you meet a few good people. Best case, you remember just how valuable your experience really is.

And hey, who knows what comes next?